Diary of a Wildlings Adventure: July School Holidays

The July school holidays have been a whirlwind of adventure, discovery, and pure joy for the children at our nature play programs. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful region, the kids have embraced self-directed play with hand tools, natural elements like fire and water, and a healthy dose of imagination.

A Visit from Rick J. Petersen

One of the highlights of our program was having the incredible Rick J. Petersen join us in Brisbane. Rick, famous for his survival skills and TV appearances on SBS’s Alone Australia, shared his wealth of knowledge with the kids. They were absolutely captivated by his demonstrations on building shelters and cooking on campfires. The excitement in their eyes was priceless as they learned how to create a safe and warm haven using just what nature provides.

But it wasn’t just the practical skills that Rick shared. He also wowed everyone with his magic tricks using ropes, leaving the children in awe and giggling with delight. They bombarded him with questions about his TV experiences, eager to learn about the behind-the-scenes adventures of a survival expert.

Mudslides and Forest Fun

The forest became a giant playground as the children discovered the thrill of making mudslides. There’s something undeniably exhilarating about sliding down a muddy slope, feeling the rush of speed and the splash of cool mud. Their laughter echoed through the trees, a testament to the simple joys of outdoor play.

Campfire Treats and Creative Crafts

No Wildlings Forest School holiday program would be complete without some delicious campfire treats. The kids loved making and eating popcorn and other homemade goodies over the fire. The smell of freshly popped corn mingling with the crisp bush air created a cozy, communal atmosphere where stories were shared, and friendships were strengthened.

One particularly exciting day was our Minecraft-themed adventure. The children’s creativity soared as they designed and built booby traps and imaginative weapons using natural materials. Their faces lit up with pride as they showcased their creations, inspired by their favorite video game but brought to life in the real world.

The Magic of Loose Parts Playground in Maroochydore

Another unforgettable experience this holiday was our loose parts playground, set up in a construction site in the heart of Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast. This playground was a dreamland of unstructured, free play, where children could build their own city out of upcycled materials like old washing machines, pipes, pallets, sheets, and other treasures from the recycling center.

The children's imaginations ran wild as they used hand tools like hammers and hand saws to create incredible playscapes. Time machines, fortresses, and other fantastical structures sprang up from the creative minds of our young builders. Watching them collaborate, negotiate, and bring their visions to life was truly inspiring.

This loose-parts playground wasn’t just about building physical structures; it was about building confidence, problem-solving skills, and a sense of community. The children took ownership of their creations, proudly showing off their masterpieces and explaining the intricate details of their imaginative worlds. 

A big thank you to the team at The Met  and Suncentral for another wonderful Citymakers event for the children of the Sunshine Coast.

Holistic Well-Being in Nature

Our program is all about fostering the holistic well-being of children, and these July school holidays have been a perfect example of that mission in action. Through self-directed play with hand tools and natural elements, the kids not only learned valuable survival skills but also developed confidence, creativity, and a deep connection with nature.

Watching them explore, create, and play freely in the bush environment reminded me of the importance of letting children be children. Their uninhibited joy and natural curiosity are the best indicators of a successful program, and we are already looking forward to the next adventure.

Until next school holidays!

The Wildlings Forest School Team